Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 25 Update:
The sea bass shut-down has put a damper on Virginia fishing (boo!), and we didn't hear a lot of chatter from this neck of the woods this week. Much of the fishing that has been happening is for cats and yellow perch, both of which can be located in the tribs, where bass and pickerel are also hitting with minnow proving the best bait. Jerkbaits are also working for the pickerel and bass. The yellow perch run usually hits here a bit earlier than areas up the Bay but as of this week we still hadn’t heard any of the rousing, spawn-is-on-catching-by-the-dozens reports. Most anglers who report success are catching a medium-sized stringer of perch. Catfish are hitting gizzard shad and chicken breast fished on bottom, deep in the usual holes and channels, but are being caught by those soaking minnow as well.
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 18 Update:
It's been quiet from this zone this week, and although we didn’t have any verified check-ins from the inlets we’d bet it’s possible to score a speck or a red or two for those willing to work at it when few anglers give it a go. Those after tog will have to make a run for deeper waters though, since the water temps at the CBBT remain below the “will bite” mark and are sitting in the mid-40s. Another solid bet will be running up the rivers and creeks that support perch runs and looking for yellows with minnow on bottom rigs or darts in the deep holes near spawning grounds. Or, consider shifting to freshwater for a bit and enjoying the trout stocking going on. Mid-week the DWR trout stocking efforts included some urban stocking in Hampton and Chesapeake. If one of the locations they visited is nearby (check specifics via the link), why not enjoy the change of pace and a bent fishing rod?
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 11 Update:
Well folks, cold weather has limited fishing opportunities throughout the Chesapeake, but it sure isn’t shutting them down entirely and the recent warm-up should get those fish snapping again. Up the tribs, yellow perch can be found in pretty excellent numbers. Fishing for them with minnow is working well, and anglers are finding that they’re holding out in deep pockets of warmer water.
Many anglers are also fishing for catfish right now, finding that although the front passing through earlier this week caused a temporary slack in the bite, the big blues won’t stop for cold weather. Soaking cut baits is enticing them onto lines.
Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 4 Update:
The southern waters of our Chesapeake haven’t been especially productive this week, and reports from the inlets are nonexistent – instead, most anglers who report success are heading up the rivers to get in on the blue catfish which have been much more active than anything out on the Bay. Catfish are hitting cut menhaden, gizzard shad, and chicken breast fished on bottom, deep in the usual holes and channels. Yellow perch should also be snapping in deep holes and channels up the creeks, as they are throughout the region, but we didn't get any verified reports from this neck of the woods this week.
If you missed last week’s breaking news: It's official - Virginia's special February season for sea bass is off for 2022. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 6-1-1 to close the season Tuesday before last. Considering how great this fishery was and how many sea bass are out there many folks are wondering why the heck this happened. These fishing reports aren't really the proper venue for a huge discussion about fisheries management, but if you get bored while sitting inside thanks to the weather this weekend, Google "mrip black sea bass." The results will keep you busy for hours. The bottom line: the fish-counters say too many black sea bass were harvested last year coast-wide, and much as Virginia regulators didn’t want to shut this season down they didn’t see any other option. According to the rep we spoke with last week they do hope to bring it back in 2023 if possible but no promises can be made.